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OBITUARY:Howard Arthur Wilkin, who was born January 29, 1937 to Franklin Richards Smith and Irene Davis Wilkin in Salt Lake City, Utah, peacefully passed away at the age of 80 on November 15, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara Ann Wilkin; their 6 sons Bradley, Christopher, Douglas, Matthew, Andrew and Justin; his 6 daughters-in-law: Jill, Sara, Marce, Anita, Lanell and Lindsay; 23 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and one great-grandchild on the way. He is also survived by his sister Marilyn Cooper; his half-brothers: Brian Wilkin, Geoffery Smith, Scott Smith, Don Smith, Doug Smith; and half-sister Lorraine Durette. Howard graduated with a Masters Degree with Honors in Electrical Engineering from the University of Utah in 1963. Howard spent his formative years in California & Utah, then at the youthful age of 17 he joined the United States Navy where he served proudly and honorably from 1954 to 1975. He retired with the respectable rank of Lieutenant Commander. He also worked in the nuclear power industry for International Nuclear Engineer Laboratories in Idaho, and later at the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations in Atlanta, Georgia where he retired in 1996 from that field. Although formally retired, he never quit working. His accomplishments are too numerous to count. Perhaps his most important accomplishments were marrying his beautiful and gracious bride, Barbara Ann Pullen, in Los Angeles, California, then being sealed to her for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple in Utah. This was the beginning of his legacy and the birth of his forever family. Howard is known for his dedication to his family and faith. He volunteered in many capacities in the church as well as providing service to all those around him. He was a faithful Home Teacher, a Ward Clerk, a High Priest, and Counselor to the Bishop. He also served as a Scoutmaster more than once, helping each one of his sons achieve the rank of Eagle Scout. He truly lived by the Scout Oath through his example by always being honorable in doing his best, fulfilling his duties to both God and country, helping others at all times, keeping himself physically strong, mentally awake, and morally straight. Throughout his lifeís journey, he made it a point to enjoy the blessings of this world. He took advantage of every moment and created opportunities for enjoyment. Howard loved the water where he fished, scuba dived, surfed, boated and water skied. He was an outdoors enthusiast. He enjoyed hunting, shooting, running, hiking, and camping. He enjoyed working with his hands by building and flying model airplanes. This led him later to renovate and pilot his own Cessna airplane. His engineering mind allowed him to invent solutions to everyday activities. He used these fun activities to create an enriching environment for his family. Howard was also known for his unceasing determination and strong work ethic. Howard never met a challenge he could not overcome. He was most often found involved on a project or tending to his garden and immaculately landscaped yard. He once said that he was not raising a garden but rather raising his sons. He spent time with each of his sons teaching them and learning along side them. He always maintained purpose in life and was anxiously engaged in a good cause until the very end. We all love him and will miss him greatly. We are forever blessed to have had the privilege to know him and learn from him. His mind was sharp and his body was strong, but his spirit is forever. Funeral services for Howard will be scheduled as follows: A viewing will be held Friday, November 17, 2017 from 7:00 to 8:30 pm at Fischer Funeral Home located at 3742 Chamblee Dunwoody Rd in Atlanta, GA. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at 1:00 pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 6449 Glenridge Rd in Sandy Springs, GA. Graveside services with military honors will be held on Tuesday, November 20, 2017 at 10:30 am at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery located at 1080 Veterans Cemetery Rd in Canton, GA.

The Fischer Family would like to extend their sincere condolences and sympathies during this difficult time.

Justin Wilkin

Nov 19 2017 06:56 pm

Dad, you are my hero. There will be no replacing you. Thank you for all you have sacrificed for our family and for our country. Thank you for all you have taught us boys. We love you and miss you dearly. May God take care of you until we meet again in heaven. Love your son, Justin

GEOFFREY FRANKLIN SMITH

Nov 17 2017 04:37 pm

DEAR BARBARA, THANK YOU FOR TAKING THE TIME IN THIS TRYING EVENT OF YOUR LIFE TO PERSONALLY CALL ME. I APPRECIATE THAT. I AM GLAD THAT YOU HAVE YOUR CHILDREN AND FAMILY TO HELP AS YOU REFLECT AND CELEBRATE HOWARD'S PASSING, TO BE WELCOMED BY OUR SAVIOR AND REDEEMER, THE LORD JESUS CHRIST. I KNOW THAT YOU WILL AGAIN BE WITH HOWARD IN THE FUTURE, AS WE ARE RESURRECTED IN PERFECT BODIES. WITH LOVE ALWAYS, GEOFFREY SMITH. 650 WEST 200 SOUTH, CLEARFIELD, UTAH, 84015-9214 / 801-390-0107.

Dianne Deren

Nov 17 2017 02:58 pm

I just want to share my thoughts and prayers with everyone in the family. I did not know Howard, although I did get to meet him briefly at Marietta Eye Clinic in Canton. I am one of Dr. Wilkins technicians.

Judy Wilkins

Nov 17 2017 12:04 pm

It was a privilege to know Brother Wilkin. He was my faithful home teacher for about three years. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially my dear friend Barbara.
All my love,
Judy

Chris Wilkin

Nov 17 2017 11:55 am

My father lived a full life and helped those around him to do so as well. Howard will be truly missed in this mortal life but I know I will greet him again in the resurrection. He lived, learned,oved and served us in life and will be a role for me to do the same. He also would tell you to be strong and carry on for those who depend upon you now. I love my parents as Howard and Barbara are a great team in this life we have.
Dad do not worry now we will do our best, Love your number 2 son.
Chris

Suzanne Gunning

Nov 17 2017 11:45 am

I am so sorry for your loss. I did not know Howard well, but on the few occasions I did get to speak with him he seemed like a very sweet man. I know that your family has lost a great man and that his loss is very difficult. Losing a husband and a father is something you can never be fully prepared for regardless of the circumstances surrounding their passing. Please know that all our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Suzanne Gunning

Don and Janet Gibson

Nov 17 2017 11:34 am

Dear Barbara and Wilkin Family,
It is joy and grief we feel at the passing of Howard and mourne this difficult time for you. Grief because we will miss his delightful personality and joy that we know all of us who loved Howard will be reunited with him when God calls us home. Prayers of graditude for the doctrines of truth in the restored Gospel. Love The Gibson Family.

AnnieB

Nov 16 2017 02:44 pm

Iím sorry to hear of your loss and my deepest condolences are extended to your family. An encouraging scripture thatís may help you through this time of great loss is Job 14:14, 15.